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We enjoyed the peace and quiet staying here which we struggled to find when we stay in a hotel. The place was nice and clean and loved the front porch and lazing on the beach reading our books. Mama was very helpful and friendly. She evened booked out snorkelling trip which we would highly recommend!
We hope we can return...

We stayed mid year and I have only just got around to reviewing. Was most disappointing
Paid between $400-500NZD per night and expected a higher level of service, we had to ask for it to be cleaned. Finding food to cook in the kitchen was difficult, and eating out difficult too as far from everything -taxi's and rentals very expensive....

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Thank JL D

Matatui, Owner at Are-a-Matatui, responded to this review

I am sorry that you did not have an enjoyable stay in Aitutaki and I was very disappointed to read some of your comments.
The villas are self-catering and are not within a large resort. Food is not provided and has never been advertised as such. There are many, well stocked shops on this tiny island. There are a number...

Our family of 4 (kids 10 and 8) stayed on stunning Aitutaki for 5 nights and we loved Are-a-Matatui. Our 2-bed, 2-bath beach villa was absolutely beautiful and very clean and comfortable. Mama, looks after this property plus next-door Are-a-tai and she is the sweetest lady-- every day asking us if we wanted fresh fruit. The villa has access to...

We spent our honeymoon on this fantastic island and could not have asked for anything better. The beach front apartment was excellent and only 20m away from the sea. There were canoes to take out and crystal clear waters to snorkel and swim. Taking a trip out to the islands is a must, we also kite surfed which was brilliant...

We spent six night here in late August/September, plenty of room for two couples with each room having an en suite. We hugely enjoyed the hospitality of Frances, Geoff and Mama. Communication around the booking was good, and we were greeted and introduced to the property on arrival. We had the front house, barely 50 metre from the beach. Some...

It appears I will be leaving my first ever negative trip advisor/air bnb rating! :(
I did attempt to sort the below issue with the owners, to no avail.
Basically, we feel the price of the 2bedroom/2 bath villa was way to high for the standard provided.
The Aretai Beach villas are very casual, which is fine....(we have stayed in...

My wife and I stayed at Are-a-Matatui for our honeymoon and could not have been more pleased with our stay. The house had a massive deck and was only 20 meters from the clear blue ocean waters.The only regret we had was that we didn't stay longer! We were given fresh fruit every morning for breakfast to start the day...

We stayed for 5 days in paradise at Are-a-Matatui (nobody on the island recognize this name, you have to say Aretai) there are two groups of bungalows in the same property, they belong to a sister and brother and are managed by mama, a lovely lady that makes you feel at home.
We were at the beachfront bungalow, with two...

Our family of 4 (grown up children) stayed five nights here at beginning of September.
An excellent set up with 2 good sized bedrooms, 2 excellent bathrooms, kitchen and living area. We had an extra bed in the living room to give the kids their own space each, and this made no difference to the space we had available to...

This was my second stay at the wonderful Are-a-Matatui and I'm counting the days until I can spend another beautiful week in Aitutaki. The house is beautifully detailed and position in front of the beach. We spent most of our time making use of the kayaks and the hammock, enjoying the beautiful surrouns and warm water. Cannot say enough about...

Amenities

Highlights

Beachfront

Free Parking

About the property

Beachfront

Room types

Kitchenette

In your room

Microwave

Refrigerator in room

Services

Free Parking

Official Description (provided by the hotel)

Are-a-Matatui provides a perfect tropical escape, set on the white sand and sparkling waters of Aitutaki lagoon. Taste the true island life in this remote location, situated in the heart of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands are a friendly, romantic and safe destination. Polynesian inspired, these contemporary homes are designed and decorated with tropical flair, including artwork by Nana Nicholas and woodwork by local craftsmen. Feel at home in these fully furnished comfortable family homes. Both houses include two spacious bedrooms, each bedroom with it's own large bathroom. Stylish kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Ceiling fans, louvered windows and screens throughout the house for extra comfort. Swim, snorkel and kayak just metres away from the house. Kayaks are provided for your leisure. Be sure to take a cruise around the tranquil islands of the atoll. Enjoy a cool drink, the sand between your toes and watch the stunning sun set on your own private beach front....more less

Additional Information about Are-a-Matatui

Address: Are-a-Matatui, Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Region:Cook Islands > Southern Cook Islands > Aitutaki

Number of rooms: 2

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“We personally preferred the beachfront villa, but the villa behind it is so close to the beach it doesn't really matter. The advantage of the beachfront one is that you have a better view from the front deck.”

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